Well, 7,000 times you lot have had to read my drivel …;) ( now 7001 ) over 10 & a half years on the forum!!:shok_yikes:

Hope at least 50% of what I wrote was mildly interesting - I know I’ve learnt a lot in this hobby this time around ( I did it for 5 years back in the 80’s but no internet then so it was ONLY shows, antique shops and dealers ) How things have changed!

The WWW and the ( sad ) demise of veterans bringing long forgotten choice items onto the market. Despite what some say, the prices today really aren’t that bad - certainly for the lower end items - I do remember zeltbahns were $100 Australian back in 1988 - they may only be double that now ( same for EK2s … not really that much of an increase ) … although higher end finds always appreciate in value more ( supply & demand )

I do remember my dearest finding out I had spent HALF the weeks earnings on a silver close combat clasp!!! …… I had to take it back to the shop or face divorce. ( seriously - my manly jewels were at risk of torso separation :shok_yikes: )

Anyway, I’m CERTAINLY not as prolific a poster as some, and while I am no longer actively collecting, I am still having fun!

Cheers & beers to you all!
Dan